LAGRANGE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded the 2025 Heart of Gold Award to Jean Fremion-Litke of LaGrange in recognition of her extraordinary services to honoring local veterans.
The Heart of Gold Award honors LaGrange County residents who inspire volunteerism, create positive change, and demonstrate a deep commitment to others.
For the past 15 years, Fremion-Litke has led the Veterans Headstone Project, a fiscally sponsored program of the Foundation dedicated to preserving the dignity and memory of LaGrange County’s veterans.
Under her volunteer leadership, the project has restored, repaired or replaced more than 270 veteran headstones and memorials in LaGrange County cemeteries and mobilized volunteers to raise nearly $151,000 in support of the effort.
She also coordinates the countywide flagging of veterans’ graves each Memorial Day and performs half-staff flag duties at the American Legion post and the Town of LaGrange. Her work has brough comfort to families and united community partners around the belief, “It is our duty to take care of those who have taken care of us.”
As the 2025 award recipient, she is eligible to recommend a $1,500 grant to a LaGrange County nonprofit of her choice through the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund.
All nominees for the 2025 Heart of Gold Award were honored at the Foundation’s Annual Reception on October 16 at Dallas Lake Park Lodge, where their service and impact were celebrated. In addition to the award recipient, the Foundation recognized four outstanding nominees whose volunteerism continues to strengthen LaGrange County:
- Tina Bartoch, LaGrange – Founder and volunteer for Relay for Life in LaGrange County, now Lights of Hope, with the American Cancer Society; known for her daily acts of kindness within the community;
- Jay Chupp, Shipshewana – Community leader with LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mayfest, Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association and ARC Opportunities; founder of Northern Indiana Amish Boys Camp;
- Joanne Gillespie, LaGrange – Dedicated member of Tri Kappa Sorority, serving as Secretary and in leadership roles for Pumpkin Dash, Trivia Committee, and multiple fundraisers; and
- Gerald Yoder, LaGrange – Faith-driven volunteer supporting children’s ministry, church events, The Garage, Youth for Christ, LifeWise, and Reason 4 Hope; known known for offering transportation, support, and care to individuals throughout the community.
“All of the nominees embody the spirit of philanthropy in LaGrange County. Their dedication and compassion make our community stronger,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder.
Through the generosity of the Caring Community Fund, each nominee was also able to direct a $500 grant to a LaGrange County nonprofit of their choice.